What is the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Enzymes play a crucial role in biological reactions by acting as catalysts, which means they increase the rate at which chemical reactions occur without being consumed or permanently altered in the process. By lowering the activation energy required for a reaction, enzymes facilitate the conversion of substrates into products more efficiently. This catalytic action is essential for various biochemical processes within living organisms, enabling metabolic pathways to function effectively under physiological conditions.

Enzymes are selective and specific, meaning that they typically catalyze only one type of reaction or act on a particular substrate, which further enhances the efficiency and control of metabolic processes in the body. This role of speeding up reactions is vital for sustaining life, as many biochemical reactions would occur too slowly to support the necessary biological functions without the presence of enzymes.